Richmond, VA

Police Department

Community Engagement

Last Updated: 2010-01-20

Working for safer streets in Highland Park by going door to door

RICHMOND, VA (Richmond Times-Dispatch) - Standing on the porch of a house on Fourth Avenue in the city’s Highland Park neighborhood, Lt. Richard Edwards of the Richmond Police Department quickly turned his head when he heard: crack, crack.

It was a cap gun, fired by a child playing next door.

In Highland Park — where run-down, sprawling Queen Anne-style houses of brick or clapboard, many with wraparound porches and slate roofs, speak of a long-past prosperity — not all sounds are so innocent.

As a part of the Peeps and Police Safety forum, Richmond Police and Autism awareness advocates met with community members Monday to start a dialogue about police encounters with someone with a mental illness.

This comes after a study by the National Sheriff's Association found at least half the people being shot and killed by police each year are believed to have mental health issues.

If handled incorrectly, such a situation can lead to confusion, stress, and sometimes death.

On Friday, August 26, over 150 members of the community gathered at the Richmond Public Library. The goal was to discuss youth engagement and ways to continue building relationships between Richmond Police and the community. Non-profit organization ART 180 hosted a community forum with support from the Center for Performance and Civic Practice, and participation from the Richmond Police Department, youth from the Legal Aid Justice Center's Youth Advocacy Network, adult advocates for juvenile justice reform, and several community members. (Photo Credit: Mark Strandquist, ART 180)

Third Precinct Sergeants Michael Stinger, Dana Brereton, and MPO Luke Geiger recently attended a community meeting at Monarch Woods Senior Living Home. The residents expressed their concerns, which were addressed by MPO Geiger, who also brought Dunkin Donuts for the residents, which were a big hit with them ! He told them that we would do our best to give them more attention, increase visibility, and help them feel safer in their community.